Negotiations are already underway with potential buyers
Dubai. November 15th. INTERFAX - The base price of the fifth-generation Checkmate light single-engine fighter will be about $ 30-35 million, the head of Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, told reporters.
"This aircraft is of an open configuration: we offer a base, we can hang any armament on it (...) various options that can be executed and installed at the request of the customer. And, of course, because of this, the price varies. The base, I hope, will be in the region of 30-35 million dollars," Chemezov said at the Dubai Airshow-2021.
Earlier, he estimated the cost of the new aircraft at $ 25-30 million.
"Rosoboronexport has already started its promotion. A number of negotiations have been held with foreign delegations, and proposals on the appearance of the car are being formed for them," Chemezov said.
According to him, the open architecture makes it possible to install various electronics, electronic warfare equipment, means for capturing targets, etc., including foreign production, on the fighter.
"It turned out to be a beautiful, good plane. The United Arab Emirates is already interested, they want to see and discuss the car in more detail. I am sure there will be demand from other countries with which meetings are scheduled. We have a significant advantage over the others," the head of Rostec said.
"I would consider the JF-17, J-10, F-16 to be competitors, but only the F-35 can boast comparable capabilities. Nevertheless, our aircraft is economically more profitable both in terms of the cost of the car and the cost of the flight hour. At the same time, he can take on board a record amount of weapons. Therefore, I believe that the aircraft has good export prospects," Chemezov added.
The fifth-generation Checkmate single-engine fighter developed by Sukhoi (part of the Rostec State Corporation UAC) It was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 20 at the MAKS-2021 air show. It is planned that the new aircraft will take to the air in 2023, and serial deliveries will begin in 2026. In the future, two-seat and unmanned versions will be created on its basis.
According to the developers, Checkmate is able to overcome up to 3 thousand km, accelerate to two sound speeds and carry 7,400 kg of combat load. It will be able to simultaneously attack up to six air, sea and ground targets, including attack drones and fifth-generation foreign aircraft.
The volume of fighter deliveries for the next 15 years is estimated at 300 vehicles.
